Why creators are ditching ad revenue for chocolate bars and fintech acquisitions 

The creator economy is evolving fast, and ad revenue alone isn’t cutting it anymore. YouTubers are launching product lines, acquiring startups, and building actual business empires. In fact, MrBeast’s company bought fintech startup Step, and his chocolate business is out-earning his media arm. This isn’t just one creator’s strategy. For many, it’s the new playbook. … Continua a leggere Why creators are ditching ad revenue for chocolate bars and fintech acquisitions 

Peak XV raises $1.3B, doubles down on AI as global VC rivalry in India heats up

Peak XV says most of its new capital will target India as the firm prioritizes AI, fintech and cross-border bets while navigating recent partner departures.

TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 Super Early Bird rates end in 1 week

The lowest ticket rates of the year for TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 end next Friday, February 27. Save up to $680 on your pass. Register now before prices increase.

OpenAI says 18- to 24-year-olds account for nearly 50% of ChatGPT usage in India

The company said on Friday that users between 18 and 24 years of age account for nearly 50% of all messages sent by Indians to ChatGPT, and users under 30 account for 80% of usage in the country.

Reddit is testing a new AI search feature for shopping

A small group of users in the U.S. will start to see search results that include interactive product carousels with pricing, images, and direct where-to-buy links.

OpenAI reportedly finalizing $100B deal at more than $850B valuation

OpenAI is reportedly getting close to closing a $100 billion deal, with backers including Amazon, Nvidia, SoftBank, and Microsoft. The deal would value the ChatGPT-maker at $850 billion.

Reload wants to give your AI agents a shared memory

Reload announces a $2.275 million raise in a round led by Anthemis and the launch of its first AI employee, Epic.

OpenAI, Reliance partner to add AI search to JioHotstar

The rollout includes two-way integration that surfaces streaming links directly inside ChatGPT.

Co-founders behind Reface and Prisma join hands to improve on-device model inference with Mirai

Mirai raised a $10 million seed round to improve how AI models run on devices like smartphones and laptops.

Google Cloud’s VP for startups on reading your ‘check engine light’ before it’s too late

Startup founders are being pushed to move faster than ever, using AI while facing tighter funding, rising infrastructure costs, and more pressure to show real traction early. Cloud credits, access to GPUs, and foundation models have made it easier to get started, but those early infrastructure choices can have unforeseen consequences once startups move beyond… Continua a leggere Google Cloud’s VP for startups on reading your ‘check engine light’ before it’s too late